Watch Video

Related

The newly crowned Miss Universe New Zealand says she has been
told to give up her crown by organisers.

South Africa born Avianca Bohm was less than 36 hours into her
reign when she was told she could be stripped of her tiara over
questions about her nationality.

Bohm told TV ONE's Breakfast today that she has received a
letter from organisers saying that she is ineligible to represent
New Zealand.

Bohm was given the title at a ceremony in Wellington on June 4,
but was told she will not be able to attend the Miss Universe
pageant in December unless she gains New Zealand citizenship.

The 22-year-old said she has sought legal advice in an attempt
to continue her reign, claiming that organiser Val Lott does not
have the authority to take the tiara away from her.

Miss Universe New Zealand said she feels like she has been
"bullied" by organisers and has not been given enough time to gain
her New Zealand citizenship.

Lott told TV ONE's Breakfast this morning that Bohm is "skating
on thin ice". However, she would not confirm or deny that she had
sent Bohm the letter.

Lott said that it is unfair for everyone to have to wait for
Bohm to go through the process of getting her citizenship approved,
as there are certain obligations for a Miss Universe crown-holder,
including appearing at key events.

The organiser said she is expecting to hear back from Miss
Universe pageant organisers in the US and then a final decision
will be made on whether Bohm will remain Miss Universe New
Zealand.

Bohm told TV ONE's Breakfast earlier this month that she was
confident her application for citizenship will be fast-tracked so
she can represent New Zealand in the Miss Universe pageant.

Competition organisers have admitted the 22-year-old should
never have won because she is not a citizen, and they have blamed
the judges for the controversial decision after they were told Bohm
was not eligible to take the title.